Protecting, Planning, and Preserving the Legacy

celebration banner with NPS arrowhead and picture of Coretta Scott King
Mrs. Coretta Scott King contributed to the creation of the MLK, Jr. National Historic Site, which is highlighted in a captivating outdoor exhibition celebrating 40 Years of Protecting, Planning, and Preserving. Copyrighted image(s). Contact Intellectual Properties Management for authorized use.

Designed by Donald Bermudez

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park was established on October 10, 1980 to preserve the places where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, lived, worked, worshipped, and is buried; while interpreting the life experiences and significance of one of the most influential Americans in the 20th century. The 38-acre park annually hosts more than 700,000 national and international visitors. Following Dr. King’s death on April 4, 1968, his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King acted upon her vision to preserve the works and ideals of her husband.

On June 26, 1968, Mrs. King founded The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center to serve as “The Official Living Memorial" to the life, work and legacy of her husband. Eventually the name changed to Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc., and today commonly referred to as The King Center. Mrs. Coretta Scott King served as the Center’s first president and is entombed on the Reflecting Pool, right beside her husband, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on The King Center campus.

Take the journey to learn more.....

 
President Carter and Mrs. King at the legislation signing
Establishing the Historic Site

The moment President Carter signed Public Law 96-428 creating the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site.

Coretta Scott King and the Auburn Avenue Historic District
Seeking Justice, Liberation and Peace

Mrs. King's vision focused on the construction and development of The King Center campus and the development of the 23-acre neighborhood.

before and after photos of rehabilitation of historic structures and houses.
Work on Historic Structures Begins

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 gave the National Park Service the responsibility and authority to restore and preserve.

 
Coretta King, Christine Farris, Naomi King, Albert King, Jennie Williams
The Women of Influence

Dr. King’s childhood experiences laid the foundation for his answering the call to leadership.

Dr. King and his family at their residence in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Vine City Community

African Americans migrated to Atlanta’s westside in the Vine City community known for its notable residents linked to the CR Movement.

Ebenezer Baptist Church and Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
Preaching Social Change

Dr. King used the church as a meeting place to plan strategies and tactics for nonviolent civil rights protests.

 
historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Birth Home, Queen Anne homes on the block with Birth Home
Protecting the Cultural Resources

The community where Dr. King was born and lived the first 12 years of his life is often the highlight of ones visit to the park.

SCLC operated out of Masonic Lodge, MLK, Jr. Visitor Center, Fire Station No. 6
The Journey to Community Pillars

Dr. King was engaged with his community at various times during his life. These periods of engagement ware captured at the Visitor Center.

 
the crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King on the grounds of The King Center
A Place of Reflection

The crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King on the grounds of The King Center.

Last updated: April 30, 2021

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450 Auburn Avenue, NE
Atlanta, GA 30312

Phone:

(404) 331-1401

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